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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Fraud email example:

From: "brian hays" <haysbrian@ace-finance-uk.net>
Date: Mon, 23 May 2005 16:35:08 +0000
Subject: EGLOBAL PRIZE RELEASE:INESE

Dear Inese,
Greetings to you, it is with great sadness i am writing you this mail
that i am not
happy with your level of commitment in regards to your prize winnings, i am
indeed
worried that if you do not come forward to claim your winnings it will be
returned
back to the lottery company as unclaimed.which means all efforts put by my
comppany
as your claims agents will go down the drain.

I will advice for the sake of my reputation and my commitment in ensuring
that your
prize winnings is transfered to your nominated account,you should please
adhere
to instructions put forward in your claims file for us to ensure a hitch
free transfer
of your prize winnings,as you have met all necessary requirements.

Please note that all modalities has been pput in place by our bank
in transfering your prize winnings.Awaiting your urgent response

Truly Yours,
MR. BRIAN HAYS
FOREIGN DEPARTMENT MANAGER
ACE FINANCE LIMITED
642 HIGH ROAD,
GREATER LONDON
E113AA,UK
FAX:+44-870-135-7986
Fax:+44-870-121-5580
Tel:+44-7040-1081-28
Email:haysbrian@ace-finance-uk.net

Anti-fraud resources: